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Pulse Width Modulation Method Applied to Nonlinear Model Predictive Control on an Under-actuated Small Satellite
Among various satellite actuators, magnetic torquers have been widely equipped for stabilization and attitude control of small satellites. Although magnetorquers are generally used with other actuators, such as momentum wheels, this paper explores a control method where only a magnetic actuation is available. We applied a nonlinear optimal control method, Nonlinear Model Predictive Control (NMPC),…

Nonlinear Model Predictive Detumbling of Small Satellites with a Single-Axis Magnetorquer
Abstract: Angular velocity detumbling is one of the very first mission objectives after a small satellite is released from a launch vehicle. Due to stringent constraints on their volume and weight, small spacecraft typically rely on magnetic actuators for attitude control and at times can afford only a single-axis magnetic torquer. This paper proposes an…